By Jeannie O’Sullivan

Staff writer

| Posted: Tuesday, August 2, 2011 11:15 am

MAPLE SHADE — Heat wave, schmeat wave.

Sweltering weather is no sweat for the fierce devotees of Bikram yoga, a discipline practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees at 40 percent humidity.

About 20 fitness buffs gathered Monday night at Bikram Yoga Maple Shade for a 90-minute class, which consists of assuming a sequence of 26 positions and two breathing exercises. Also known as hot yoga, it’s named for its creator, Indian yoga guru Bikram Choudhury.

The exercise is for all ages and fitness levels, but plenty of discipline and water are recommended.

“It’s really hard. It’s completely different than any exercise I’ve ever done,” Karen Bechtold of Moorestown said while limbering up for class.

A cyclist who has completed triathalons, Bechtold, 38, embraced yoga six years ago to keep fit during pregnancy. She’s been doing the Bikram form for six weeks.

“I’m stronger now,” she said.

The heat is what distinguishes Bikram from other types of yoga, a system of Indian exercises that blends movements, breathing and meditation to improve physical and mental discipline.

Studio owner Patrick Van Haute said the heat has a three-pronged advantage: It provides injury-preventing warmth to muscles, enhances the cardiovascular aspect of yoga, and serves as an excellent catalyst for detoxification.

“Even if you’re not looking for the spiritual benefits, you’re going to get a great workout,” said Van Haute, 31, of Moorestown.

That translates to 300 to 900 calories burned per session, depending on how much effort is exerted. The challenging positions, known as asanas, are designed to prevent yoga enthusiasts from falling asleep, a common side effect of meditation, Van Haute said.

Instructor Chris Robin offered a stream-of-consciousness-style set of directives from a platform in front of the wood-floor studio.

“Inhale, chest up, fingertips up, arms baaaack,” Robin said, demonstrating the pose.

The participants obeyed, arms outstretched, eyes closed, and brows beaded with moisture.

Van Haute and his girlfriend, Kathleen Dunscomb, took over the studio in March.

A former U.S. Marine accustomed to the grueling workouts of the notoriously challenging military branch, he said yoga beckoned because it’s a lifelong exercise.

“It’s something that I could do for the rest of my life, something I could maintain into my old age without my knees going bad,” Van Haute said.

Dunscomb is a former runner who turned to yoga after she developed knee problems.

She didn’t think yoga could possibly offer the cardiovascular benefits of running. Then she took a 30-day challenge in a Bikram studio in St. Augustine, Fla.

“I was hooked. It was amazing,” said Dunscomb, 28, of Moorestown.

The Bikram class was a first for Joan Hubbs of Cherry Hill, who has practiced yoga for 15 years but never in such high temperatures.

The 59-year-old said she wasn’t nervous.

“I like it hot,” she said.

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Burlington County Times

Karen Bechtold (of Moorestown) part of group performing Bikram Yoga, which is done in very high temperatures, at studio on S. Lenola Road in Maple Shade.